Interior designers share 12 things they won't be wasting money on this year

Open shelves were a popular minimalist trend this year.

But they don't have a place in 2024 home design, says Melissa Engelke, the principal designer of ME Design.

"Open shelving anywhere in your house isn't ideal, as it will attract a lot of dust and dirt, making the space look unappealing," the designer told BI.

She recommended opting for high-quality closed shelves to create a more luxurious finish.

Oversize furniture can be overwhelming in small spaces, says Dara Huang, an interior designer, architect, and founder who's the creative director of Dara Maison.

"Choose furniture that is proportionate to your room size to maintain a balanced and inviting atmosphere," she told BI.

Excessive neon colors are no longer desired, says Mina Lisanin, the founder and interior designer of ML Interiors.

"Neon colors can be visually fatiguing and make a space feel unbalanced," she told BI.

The designer recommended opting for a subdued color palette with smaller pops of color.

Though wall decals were once trendy, Engelke says to think twice before adding them to your home in 2024.

"They have been overused and don't make much of a difference to the visual appeal," the designer told BI.

Instead, she suggested hand-painted murals to create personalized decor.

Though high-end throw blankets are beautiful and warm, they can require tons of upkeep, Engelke says.

"Usually, they need to be dry-cleaned, making them a not-so-great option for daily use," she told BI.

The designer recommended buying machine-washable throw blankets for your living spaces.

You can say goodbye to mass-produced artwork this year, Huang says.

"Art should resonate with your emotions and experiences," she said.

You can decorate with pieces that evoke personal meaning instead.

It's time to stop wasting money on temporary, seasonal items, Engelke said.

"Seasonal decor items are short-lived and often need to be changed every year to give your space a fresh holiday look," the designer told BI.

Consider investing in timeless pieces that can be accentuated seasonally, such as throw pillows and table runners.

Bold wallpaper with busy patterns can quickly go out of style and overwhelm a space, Lisanin says.

"Choose timeless, subtle wallpaper or use paint with classic colors and textures," she told BI.

Rattan furniture has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years. But this year, it should only be done in moderation, Engelke says.

"Rattan has become so ubiquitous that it dampens the charm of the furniture," the designer told BI.

She added that the best way to use rattan was by combining it with other elements rather than making it a focal point.

Using the same color or pattern throughout an entire room can easily make the space feel one-dimensional, Lisanin says.

The designer told BI that incorporating multiple patterns and textures could create a more dynamic space.

Generic lighting can be uninspiring, Huang says.

Opt for statement lighting that serves as functional art instead.

"Also adding standing lamps and table lamps often softens direct overhead light," the designer told BI.

People can stop buying expensive rugs this year, Engelke says — especially when you have kids and pets in your home.

The designer suggested opting for an easy-to-clean, synthetic rug.

"Not only are synthetic rugs affordable, but they are also easy to maintain and won't be heavy on your pocket if you need to replace them due to major damage," she added.

This story was originally published on November 14, 2023, and most recently updated on January 10, 2024.